Hello! I’m currently an undergraduate student who’s stuck choosing between two internships. One is for a large, private firm (doing mostly administrative work), and another is for a public clinic at a prestigious law school (doing administrative work but also some hands-on tasks). Does anyone have any input on which may benefit me more in the future? I’d actually love to work at a large, private firm after law school, but I’m hesitant on giving up the opportunity to help low-income clients and work at a prestigious clinic. I’m not sure if either of these will help significantly more than the other when it comes to applications (since it’s mostly GPA and LSAT), but there must be one that seems slightly better?
I’m happy to provide specifics through private messaging. Thank you!
I would pick the law firm because while neither option will help law school admission, experience in a law firm will help you interview better when the time comes to interview for law firm jobs, and because it will also not close any doors to working in clinics. Larger law firms do plenty of pro bono work and there are slews of clinics that love volunteers from large law firms so by picking the law firm path, you’re leaving the door wide open to also working (part-time) in a clinic.
I worked in a clinic while in law school and have volunteered in them while employed by law firms. Volunteer opportunities in clinics are endless.
To add: if the clinic involves doing work in an area that’s a passion that fits in with your plans for using your JD but the firm work does not, then go with the clinic. You should still be able to work at the firm now but volunteer in a clinic at the same time though.
Several adcoms will eat this up. But as HA notes, only do it if it fits with your personal interests. If the clinic does a lot of real estate work for example, and you hate real property, then it might not be a good fit.
Thank you both! I ended up choosing the public law internship because I realized I’d be able to interact with clients and form closer relationships with attorneys and law students.